Official Gateway 78xx Series FX BIOS - 9c.05.00 thru 9c.17.00

I see in the sig you have a t9600, is this the CPU you are experiencing the tsz0 at 98c?

 

I have two gateways 7811FX at home, one with stock CPU, and one with T9600. The one with T9600 shows tsz0 at 98c.

I should test the other one someday....may be later

 

Either way, my t9600 doesn't give me a tsz0 98c...

 

I don't think all P7811's are affected by this. I am not sure if the P7801's or P7805's cured the issue either............

 

So what is the latest BIOS release for the P-7805u? I currently have version 9C.11.00.

 

There is the 9c.12.00 floating around but it is not a specific release and forom what I can tell no benefits. Newer P7805-u's seem to be shipped with 9c.17.00 but to date there is no file available for install of this to our systems..........

 

Hmm, interesting. I only am curious because I noticed the fan kind of "flutters"...I guess that's the best way to describe it..comes on, goes off, comes on again..was wondering if a newer BIOS fixed that..

 

Funny thing is, the last few motherboards I bought from various makers all had those flutter issues including one that didn't work for about a week, all of which were fixed by bios updates. I seriously hope that makers are not cheaping out on QA and expect to fix issues after they ship. And the CPUs I used weren't uncommon nor alot newer then the boards either.

Meh, as long as one of these bios finally add quad support (for good quads) I'll be happy. RAID 0 already made me all fuzzy and stuff.

 

If someone with the 9c.17.00 BIOS installed can send me a PM, I will show you how to create a backup. Speculating this should support Quad-core. Also, I have a 2nd option, but you'd need to trust me either way. Making a backup can, but likely won't, brick the system. Otherwise, I will need your serial # to acquire the BIOS directly from Gateway. If anyone is willing, let me know.

 

Trust E!!! he is the man! he made the 7811 what it is today

 

Lol - not sure about all that, but I definately contributed my fair share! Just like everyone else in these forums But I can be trusted here! Anyone out there have the .17 bios installed? Anyone? Let's do this

 

i have it installed but i also have windows 7 installed so any software might not work thus increasing the possibility of brickage. i dont have the funding necessary to run such a risk. i like my laptop and would cry if i broke it

although if you give me the tutorial ill look into it and then i might give it a shot.

 

Well.. it doesn't matter what OS you're using. this is a backup via DOS mode. I need someone to run a backup command to pull down the BIOS from DOS. Now, this may not work. I tried it a long while back, but didn't have the entire syntax there. It should backup now, I think. Otherwise we can try through Windows. Anyhow, gimme a minute and I'll edit this post with instructions.

 

God seriously. I really want to try out the .17 bios. My computer just developed the problem where the back fan goes full blast after waking up from sleep. Kind of annoying when I'm just surfing the web. Maybe it would fix that. And variable gpu fan, and add quad core support, and eliminate TZS0. And shoot candy out of the dvd drive.

But yeah, if you supply the bios ryoko, it would be awesome. I agree w/ mormegil, I would definitely trust E-.

 

Ok simple instructions.. Download the 9c.10 BIOS here:
ftp://MilkaPM:[email protected]/MI1/SW/Firmware/BIOS/IMV-028.zip

create bootable DOS USB drive.. and extract contents of this .zip to that USB drive just like you would otherwise to flash this BIOS. How do you make a USB bootable? http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=246530

Reboot into DOS via the USB and make sure you're at the USB command prompt. Type DIR to make sure you see the phlash16.exe, and the BIOS files. Now, this part is going to work one of a couple ways.

phlash16 /RO=bios.wph /s /x /mode=3 /bbl

That is R "o" not R"Zero" just for the record. The problem here, is there are a couple commands that may work. Try this first.. and see if it works. This has no risk of harming your system. It may give an error about the BIOS image not present or somethin..if so then try:
phlash16 /RO=bios.wph /s /x /mode=3 /bbl IMV-028.wph

The other method is simple but likely won't work..
phlash16 /bu=bios.wph /s /x /mode=3 /bbl


and like the previous command you may have to try - this is the one I am thinking WILL work. But, this one will also flash the BIOS I believe.
phlash16 /bu=BIOS.wph /s /x /mode=3 /bbl IMV-028.wph

Now the last command is the only one that *may* cause an issue.. in reality it isn't an issue. Worst case scenario it would flash your BIOS to 9c.10.00 while backing up the 9c.17.00 BIOS.

If you try the commands in order, you'll know without completing all of these methods whether or not it worked. After the backup phlash command, type DIR and check file size of the bios.wph file which should be 2,105,279 bytes. If you have one that is similar in size but not quite this size, then rename it and move to the next backup attempt. In the event the system hangs for an extended period of time(3-4 minutes) without activity. Power of and power back on. try to make a note of where it hung. My bet is the 2nd or 4th command will work. Do not power down, or reboot, or interupt in the event it says "Flashing" or "backing up", etc. just let it run its' course. Like I said, the only time you'd wanna power down is if you have a system hang for a few minutes. So.. give it a go and let's see where ya get. PS - if someone who does NOT have the .17 BIOS would like to try this first, it would also be appreciated. That way, if it comes down to the last command.. we know that it works without him losing the .17 BIOS for us to find out it doesn't work. (just in case)

Sooo.. volunteers?

 

Ok, so I created a bootable DOS USB and extracted the files from the zip into the root. Like I said, I can't see all the files I should be seeing, but it says they're there. I guess I'll try to boot from that now.

 

The first 2 didn't work. I typed the third command, and it didn't really do anything. It's just sitting there blinking now. I don't think it's going anywhere, and I might have to reboot, but will that hurt anything? Advice?

Edit: lol, this is gamadaya btw

Edit2: Oh, ok, you address that later down.

 

Code:

Phoenix Flash Utility for DOS - Version 1.6.8.7
Copyright (c) Phoenix Technologies Ltd., 2000-2008
USAGE: PHLASH16 [options] [@rspfile] [romfile]
   romfile      Override the default BIOS image name BIOS.WPH with "file".
   @rspfile     Response file containing more options
   /A:address   32 bit address where to put the File Image.
   /B:file      Override the default BIOS image name BIOS.WPH with "file".
   /BBL         Program boot block.
   /BU[=name]   Backup flash memory into BIOS.BAK before programming.
                If "name" specified, override the default filename BIOS.BAK.
   /C           Clear CMOS checksum after programming.
   /CS          Verify BIOS.WPH image checksum.
   /DMC:string  Specify chassis manufacturer DMI string.
   /DMM:string  Specify motherboard manufacturer DMI string.
   /DMS:string  Specify system manufacturer DMI string.
   /DOxx:string Specify OEM DMI string number xx.
   /DPC:string  Specify chassis asser tag number.
   /DPM:string  Specify motherboard product ID DMI string.
   /DPS:string  Specify system product ID DMI string.
   /DSC:string  Specify chassis serial number DMI string.
   /DSM:string  Specify motherboard serial number DMI string.
   /DSS:string  Specify system serial number DMI string.
   /DUS:string  Specify UUID DMI string.
   /DVC:string  Specify chassis version DMI string.
   /DVM:string  Specify motherboard version DMI string.
   /DVS:string  Specify system version DMI string.
   /DESC          Check the descriptor mode.
   /DEV           Display device information from WPH file.
   /EXIT          Exit without rebooting.
   /E2            Generate a new UUID when current UUID is (FFF...FFF).
   /H or /?       Help screen.
   /I             Verify image size matches flash part size.
   /MODE=n        Specify mode n (0, 1, 2, 3).
   /MFG           Manufacturing mode - Automatically reboot without keypress.
   /N             Program only if BIOS.WPH is different than system BIOS.
   /NOB           Do not allow an older BIOS to be flashed to the platform.
   /NIC           Update network controller driver with *.lom files.
   /NOBIOSINFO    Do not display BIOS date and part number while flashing.
   /O             Override (disable) all options from BIOS.WPH.
   /P             Production mode (minimize messages and delays).
   /PF=string     String to pass on to command line.
   /PN            Program only if same BIOS part number.
   /REMOTE        Specify remote operation over RS232
   /RO[=name]     Read contents of flash part and save to a file.
   /R=n           Retry flashing a block n times if flash fails.
   /S             Silent operation (turn off speaker).
   /SWAP=NO       Disable Axx autodetection.
   /T             Show debug timing info (Warning: flash is done TEN TIMES!)
   /V             Verify each block after programming it.
   /VBL           Show warning for Vista Bitlocker.
   /VGA           Update VGA module with *.dat files.
   /X             Ignore XMS memory manager check.
   /Z             Zero before erasing a block.
   /UUID          Generate a new UUID .
   /DOSKEY        Ignore DOSKEY check .
   /Mod:filename  Update current system BIOS with the module specified by
                  filename.
   /Fbin:filename Update current system BIOS DMI with the interface file
                  specified by filename, do not need image file.
   /FileUUID      Generate a new UUID to BIOS image(Will not flash).
   /ShowFileUUID  Show UUID of a BIOS bin file.
   /Force         Update BIOS from image file directly without any modification.
   To update entire system BIOS you also need the following file:
   BIOS.WPH (the interface file with the BIOS image)

Will it still backup the BIOS if /NOB is set? Otherwise it will be trying to overwrite with the old version...

maybe just
phlash16 /X /RO=bios.wph

will work?

 

Ok, the 1st and 2nd attempts failed. The 4th attempt seemed to have worked. It just sort of hanged until I shut off, but I have a file called IMV-028.wph that is the exact size. But was that on there before? And what do you mean "move it to the next backup attempt"?

Edit: yeah I'm pretty sure it didn't work.

 

lol..what happened on the 4th attempt? You should have a file named bios.wph saved to USB and it should also have flashed the BIOS(i think) to 9c.10.00

 

phlash16 /bu /s /x /mode=3 /bbl IMV-028.wph

should also work... and give you a file named BIOS.bak

If it works, you'll know it.. there should be something telling you the status and you should see stuff happening on screen. Like, check marks and bars moving..good ol DOS graphics in action

 

Hang on. Let me reformat and do that again.

 

No, it's failing on the writing portion.

 

Ok, I think I typed something wrong on the 4th method. I tried again. It failed writing on BIOS.wph though.

 

Yours hangs too jmms.

Edit: I should add that none of this seems to be hurting me, or changing my bios from .12.

 

hmm.. try something like phlash16 /bu=c:bios.wph /s /x /mode=3 /bbl IMV-028.wph

what exactly is it doing?

 

So it isn't making a BIOS.BAK?

it seems that it can't write any files

does echo a > file create a file?

 

I'll try your idea jmms. It wasn't writing to C either.

 

It's writing the files. Ok, so on to what you said E-. If this doesn't work, I'm done for tonight.

Didn't work. Gave me the failed to write to error. And made a very very loud noise. I though /s disabled noises. Is syntax right? Shouldn't it be C:\. I tried that and it hanged, but it seems to hang after every failed attempt.

 

Also, somebody else should try this too. The problem may just be on my end.

 

dang.. looks like it just may not work. I never could backup via DOS cause it would hang. Only other option is backup via Windows. DOS is so much easier tho Anyhow, I'll post a quick how-to on that tomorrow. Bedtime. Nite all

 

Ok, Windows it is then.

 

Ok.. Windows method:

Download WinPhlash from HP's website:
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp41501-42000/sp41959.exe

Run the Service Pack install..it will give an error letting you know the BIOS isn't compatible when it checks the HP BIOS against yours. After the failed attempt, go to the C:\Program Files\SP41959\ directory and you'll see WinPhlash(32bit) and WinPhlash64 directories. Pick the appropriate version for your OS.

Inside the selected folder, open and edit phlash.ini - the [UI] Field should be edited to look like this:
[UI]
Advanced=1
DelBios=0
Hideall=0
displayver=1
DisCancel=1
Confirmation=1

Save and close. Now, move the flash1.ini(32bit)/flash2.ini(64bit) to a different folder, the root directory of SP41959 works fine. Next, move the IMV(gateway) BIOS imv-028.wph into the WinPhlash or WinPhlash64 folder. Delete the 30CDF2E.WPH file from the same folder.

Now, time to run WinPhlash to backup the BIOS. run WinPhlash or WinPhlash64 and "Specify Backup file for Existing BIOS" as bios.bak - it is likely defaulted to that. Just make sure it is set to save in your current directory. Now, "Specify New BIOS File" as the IMV .wph file.

SwinFlash Operation should have 2 options.. Select Bakup BIOS Only. And here we go..let's see if it throws any errors.

Click Bakup BIOS. It may ask you to confirm, and do so. This will not Flash the BIOS, even though it appears that it is going to whenever the backup process begins. At this point you will either get an error for why it can't backup, or it will bakup the BIOS.

If the above works properly and produces a bios.bak of proper size, then run a 2nd backup, but now using the imv .rom instead of the imv .wph file. Ok.. now get to backing up. Lemme know how it goes.

EDIt - there may be a small problem, but I'm trying to find the resolution right now. We may need to know the blocksize, and the address.. I'll find it. For the time being, give this method a try.
EdIt eDIT: Ok, see where I said to move the flash1 and flash2.ini? Those files contain information which tells Phoenix where to begin reading information from the BIOS. Only problem is, I don't know the proper size and hexcode to get it to build a proper backup. I'll continue my research, in the meantime you can get this all together.

 

well i tried to make a backup and got nothing. so i tried using gateway support and all i got from that was that apparently my serial # does not exist thus leaving me sol if i ever encounter a problem with my laptop. the support guy did not want to help and kept trying to get me to leave because my serial is non existant so unless you guys can think of a way to dump the bios we are screwed (or at least i definitely am). for humor factor i guess if you guys wanna see the chat log with gateway i can upload it.

 

I'd love to! I had a few unique experiences with Online Chat as well... those folks aren't the best resource. ryo, you need 10 more posts real quick. I can't PM you til you hit 15 - and I'd like to talk to ya bout this in private.

 

Error when trying to run winphlash64:

Image file %s is either not valid or damaged.
Platform signature not found in the interface.
Error code: -103

 

Ok.. It was worth a shot. Going to backup plan.

 

Just wondering if the bios ver.9c.11 has raid support? As of right now i havent put the 2nd hdd in and there is no option for raid. Do i need to put the 2nd drive in first? Any help would be appreciated.

 

9c.10 has raid support, so I don't see why 9c.11 wouldn't. Check under where you would set the SATA mode, thats where the raid option gets added and then at boot you'll need to hit ctrl+I I think to go into the raid set up.

 

ty for the reply. I checked my bios and it only has 2 options AHCI, IDE. Thats why i didnt know if the Raid option would appear after i installed my 2nd HDD, or if the option should be there already. Really dont want to have to flash. Doesnt seem as easy as flashing on other devices.

 

Install your 2nd drive and the option will be available.

 

ok thanks thats what i was unsure of and didnt want to open the package until i had an answer.

 

sry ive been out and havent (also forgot) to check back here but it took me awhile to get the log together but heres my chat with gateway. (i erased my name, address, serial, etc from the chat.)

 

very similar to the chat i had with em.. they didn't know the 7811FX existed at the time. My serial number wouldn't work either. But, at least your guy was helpful enough to refer you to level 2. They kept telling me I needed to call the pay per half-hour "How-to" help line. And I kept stressing I know how, I don't need to understand "How-to" I needed to understand "Where to" get the BIOS and drivers. Heh.. good ol live chat

 

LOL, what a chat. Good reading
"Laptop is not listed"- how it can be on sale then Some cheap knock-off version of Gateway?

 

ryokowashu and all -

I had a similar conversation, initially, with a Gateway rep. However, I told him that my Serial Number was a 22 digit number and according to the Gateway website I could not register it on-line since it was a 22 digit number. They had to register my P-7805u over the phone and put it in their database. If he didn't understand that their registration process was having a problem with 22 digit SN's, then he should verify this with his supervisor rather than tell you your perfectly good SN is not valid.

 

so i bought my 7850u few days ago omg i hate vista but anyways my bios says 9c.17.00 is this up to date should i recieve any replys thank you

 

chad... That's the most recent version I've heard of. In fact many of us FX owners are quite anxious to get our hands on it. Any chance you could make a back-up and make it availabe?

And to anyone who knows... why does Gateway not put these bios updates on their support site for people download?

 

well i hope so but i have a problem i cant boot into bios anymore i have no idea why i setup raid 0 everything works fine but i cant get back into bios with f2 do u think if i reformated it would change anything i dont care two i would love to help out but i dont even know if it will boot from cd if not ill take this back and start over

 

No no no. Just use F10 to enter the bios setup screen. That always happens after installing RAID.